by Matt Bird

Created on: April 13, 2011   Last Updated: April 15, 2011

The pre-evolution of the powerful Zebstrika, Blitzle is a fifth generation creature from Pokemon Black and White that can nicely hold its own in battle. It comes from a long line of proud, powerful electric-type pokemon, and it upholds their typical statistical and move-based standards.

Blitzle is exactly what you'd expect of an electric-type pokemon in terms of strengths and weaknesses:

- A high Attack

- An almost-as-high Special Attack

- Low Defenses

- So-so HP

- And a nice, high Speed that allows it to go first in most confrontations

Blitzle is very much a stereotypical electric-type pokemon, and anyone who's a fan of the type will know what to expect. It additionally has two potential abilities - Lightningrod and Overdrive - that should be familiar for any pokemon fan, with Overdrive coming in as probably the better of the two (though that depends on whether you prefer single or double/triple battles).

Because Blitzle gets a decently high Attack stat - a trait that carries over into its Zebstrika form, so you should have no reason to change up its moves - Wild Charge is probably your ideal choice for an electric-type STAB move that will kill enemies in a single hit. Thunderbolt isn't bad, but Wild Charge works better for Blitzle. Shockwave is handy as backup if you're facing an evasive pokemon, Flame Charge is good for a non-STAB hit and Thrash is generally good. Blitzle does suffer from a lack of two STAB options, somewhat limiting the number of enemies it can easily defeat, though as a sweeper it could be much worse. Toss in Double Team or Swagger to really mess with the foe.

The only problem with Blitzle - even including availability, as it's easily found on Route 3 - is its pre-evolved form. Blitzle changes into Zebstrika at level 27, and there are few to no reasons not to follow through the evolution. Zebstrika is better than its little brother in almost every way. If you do decide to keep Blitzle, be prepared for some challenges down the road.

As far as electric-type pokemon go, Blitzle is a good choice. Not amazing, not unpredictable and perhaps a bit boring, but good. Fast, strong and generally reliable, if a bit fragile. What could go wrong? Keep Blitzle when you face off against the Mistralton Gym and its flying-type pokemon and you should have an easy time... not to mention getting past numerous pokemon in the Elite Four.

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